There’s a song in “The Life,” a short-lived mid-90s Broadway musical, that contains the lyric, “You’ve got to use what you’ve got, to get what you want, before what you want is gone.”
If you’ve been diagnosed with MS like me, you know your life is now a race against the clock, and we have no idea what tomorrow may bring. It could be a matter of time before we’re physically disabled and, God forbid, helpless.
Until that day comes, I plan to use my disease for all it’s worth until it starts using me. And I advise you to do the same because what have we got to lose?
Here are 3 Hacks That Will Turn Your Dis-Ease Into A Yes-Please!
1) Make Everybody Else Slow Down!
There’s a song in “The Life,” a short-lived mid-90s Broadway musical, that contains the lyric, “You’ve got to use what you’ve got, to get what you want, before what you want is gone.”
If you’ve been diagnosed with MS like me, you know your life is now a race against the clock, and we have no idea what tomorrow may bring. It could be a matter of time before we’re physically disabled and, God forbid, helpless.
Until that day comes, I plan to use my disease for all it’s worth until it starts using me. And I advise you to do the same because what have we got to lose?
Here are 3 Hacks That Will Turn Your Dis-Ease Into A Yes-Please!
2) There's Never A Bad Time To Take A Nap!
Another common symptom of MS is fatigue. We are easily exhausted, and it’s hard for “normal people” to truly understand just how difficult and frustrating dealing with fatigue can be. You need to use that lack of understanding!
The only way to deal with fatigue is to stop what you’re doing and take a nap. Great! We are so lucky to be grown adults that can nap whenever we want to without anyone questioning us or calling us lazy!
Use the power of the nap, even when you’re not tired. You will be shocked at how many situations you can get out of simply by saying, “I need to lie down.” (Throw in a sigh or two for added effect.)
3) Brain Lesions Can Be Your Friend
Because of MS, I have some lesions in my brain. My neurologist says that the lesions are in an area of my brain that affects nothing, but unless you look at my MRI, you don’t know that, which means I have an instant excuse for anything and everything!
If I forget someone’s name – “Sorry, dude, I have brain lesions.” If I don’t remember to stop at the grocery store – “Sorry, honey, I have brain lesions.” If I try to rob a bank – “Sorry, Your Honor, but I have brain lesions!” It works for everything!
You might think these hacks are deceitful, and it’s wrong to be dishonest to our friends and family, and you may be right. Although if I were to say to you there’s a fine line between lying and self-care, I may also be right. Who knows?
The only thing I know is that you’ve got to use what you’ve got to get what you want before what you got is gone.
I love you all, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
